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  Abuja’s Real Estate boom is hardly matched anywhere else in Africa. Over the past three decades, it’s gone from being a small, quiet town to being one of Nigeria’s biggest cities.
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A 2017 report from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) put Abuja’s population growth rate at 8.32% per annum. That’s more than double the national average. The satellite districts adjourning it have grown at an astounding 20% per annum. Not surprisingly, the value of land in the city (and the surrounding area) has risen significantly. And it’s expected to continue climbing, in repose to persisting demand. Simply put, Abuja promises fantastic returns for its landowners. If you would like to buy land in Abuja, you’ll find this article useful. Here, we list the steps to acquiring one and the things you’ll need to have to do so.

A Few Facts You Should Know

  • There are two agencies involved in land issues in Abuja. They are the FCDA (mentioned earlier) and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).
  • The FCDA oversees the design, planning, and construction in the city; the AGIS issues the Certificate of Occupancy, names streets, and handles land verification and revenue collection, among others.
  • You can either purchase land from the government or private sellers. Each follows a different acquisition process.
  • Important title documents for lands in Abuja are the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, and Minister’s Consent (the equivalent of a Governor’s Consent in other states).
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Steps To Acquiring Land From The Government In Abuja

Here are the steps you’re required to take to acquire land from the government in Abuja.
  • Download the ‘Application for Grant/Re-grant of a Statutory Right of Occupancy’ form online. You can also get this form at their office.
  • Fill the form and pay an application processing fee at any of the banks designated for this.
  • Submit evidence of this payment (teller) to the AGIS. They will issue you a receipt.
  • Make a formal application to the AGIS. This involves presenting them with your completed application form, and the following documents:
  1. Photocopy of the AGIS receipt.
  2. Means of Identification (National ID card, International Passport, Voters’ Card).
  3. Two passport-sized photographs.
  4. Tax Clearance Certificate.
  5. Company Registration Certificates (CAC form and Tax Clearance Certificates).
  6. Environmental Impact Assessment.
  7. Evidence of Financial and Technical Capacity.
Note: items 2-4 are for lands acquired for residential use. Items 5-7 are required of entities acquiring land for commercial or real estate use.
  • You will be given an acknowledgement slip.
  • If your application is successful, you will be granted a Right of Occupancy. Be sure to perfect this to a Certificate of Occupancy, to claim full ownership of the land.

Steps To Acquiring Land From Private Sellers In Abuja

Here’s how to buy land from private sellers in Abuja.
  • Prospect for suitable land. Ideally, you’ll want a real estate agent that’s knowledgeable about the market to do this for you.
  • Conduct a physical inspection of the land.
  • Get a surveyor to examine the Survey Plan and ascertain that it’s free of any problem.
  • Search the AGIS database to determine that the title documents are legal and valid. A lawyer can help with this.
  • If the verification process confirms that the land offer is genuine, you agree on terms with the seller and sign the relevant documents (including the Deed of Assignment).
  • Get a lawyer to help you perfect your land title with the government. This confirms that you are the owner of the land you have just acquired. Documents you’ll need for this are your Deed of Assignment, Statutory Right of Occupancy, and Survey Plan.

Final Words

As Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja presents its inhabitants and visitors with a lot of promise. This includes the prospect of reaping from its real estate boom. You can position yourself for this by following the steps we’ve laid out in this article. Featured Image Source: Buy Land In Nigeria
Got something you want to read about on our platform? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 14th April 2021

ikenna-nwachukwu

Ikenna Nwachukwu holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He loves to look at the world through multiple lenses- economic, political, religious and philosophical- and to write about what he observes in a witty, yet reflective style.

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